NCL announced that its largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, debuting this July, will summer in the Mediterranean as part of her 2011/2012 deployment. The ship will sail a seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona, Spain from May through October 2011. Ports of call include: Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome (Civitavecchia); Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain, along with two full days at sea. These cruises go on sale on Monday, March 8, 2010.

“In bringing the ship to Europe during her second season, we are combining the excitement of Norwegian Epic with our popular Mediterranean itinerary,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s chief executive officer. “With her world-class entertainment, wide range of accommodations, incredible amenities and plethora of dining options, Norwegian Epic will offer the best cruise experience for a wide-range of travellers looking to enjoy Europe in a whole new way.”

Following her inaugural season, Norwegian Epic will continue sailing her alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, Florida through April 30, 2011. On May 7, 2011, the ship will depart Miami on an 11-night transatlantic crossing to Barcelona, Spain with one stop in Ponta Delgada, Azores. Upon her arrival in Barcelona on May 18, 2011, the ship will sail a four-night Western Mediterranean sailing with stops in Marseille, France and Palma, Majorca, Spain. She will then sail a series of 22 seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona through October 16, 2011. A 13-night transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Miami, Florida is scheduled for October 23, 2011 with stops in Ponta Delgada, Azores and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Once back in Miami, Norwegian Epic will sail a series of 23 seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises from November 5, 2011 through April 7, 2012. Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include: Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas, along with two full days at sea.